Summer is finally here and as our gardens flourish so do the pests that invade them. Throughout my travels I often encounter do-it-yourselfers trying to eliminate a variety of pests using various traps. Many times I can’t help to notice the poor placement of pest traps. I would like to share some tips on proper placement of various traps to affectively capture your target pest.

One of the most common trap placement blunders that I encounter is placements of lure traps near areas where humans will congregate. I have witnessed a countless number of yellow jacket traps place near pool yards and picnic tables. There are a variety of yellow jacket and wasp traps commercially available to reduce the number of these stinging insects without using pesticides. These traps utilize either a commercially prepared lure, or a beverage or your choice (extra sugary sodas or beer would be my recommendation) to attract the insect to the trap. When you place these traps on or near the picnic table that you are eating at, you are actually enticing the stinging insects towards you. Stinging insect traps should be placed away from the areas that you are trying to protect. Traps should be placed by hanging them from trees, poles, or fences where people will not be spending time. Try to establish a perimeter of these traps along your property line, not near your home or garden.

In similar fashion to the stinging insect trap, there are commercially available mosquito traps. Most of the mosquito traps that are available utilize a propane tank that fuels a unit that is designed to emit carbon dioxide that will attract mosquitoes within a certain radius. You do not want the center of the attraction zone to be your garden. If you choose to invest in one of these units, once again, keep it away from areas frequented by people such as gardens, and outdoor dining areas.

One of the most common summer garden pests also has a commercially available lure trap. The Japanese beetle trap, often easily recognized by the hanging bag full of bugs is another attractant type trap. Most of these traps are actually sold with pole type stand to hang the trap from. The lures available with these traps are highly attractive to Japanese beetles making it once again extremely important to place these traps away from you roses and veggies. Japanese beetle traps should be placed upwind of your garden, not in it. Also, follow the labeled instructions for the number of units you should use. Often, multiple units may be necessary to get a desired level of control.

Traps are not only for insect pests. Another common summertime invader is the groundhog. There are various types of live traps available to get rid of this common excavator. The common box style live trap can be an effective tool if placed correctly. Sometimes you have to study your target a little before placing a trap. Often I see traps placed directly next to a groundhog burrow. Although you will occasionally trap a groundhog with trap placement near the burrow, a better solution is to place the trap where the groundhog is feeding. Leave a trail of bait leading up to the trap. Make sure bait is place behind the trigger plate, not in front of or on the trigger. Be creative with you bait choices when trapping a groundhog. As a general rule, use whatever the groundhog may be damaging or eating out of your garden. If your tomatoes are getting eaten, using a tomato as bait is probably a good choice. I have successfully used apples, tomatoes, and dark leafed lettuces that stand up well in the high summertime temperatures. I have heard of successes using cantaloupe and other fruits, however, I cannot share any personal success stories with cantaloupe. Unless the trap you have is specifically designed to place directly over the burrow, try not to place the cage too close to the burrow as to not alarm the animal.

My representative from Viking was caring, respectful to my husband and I as well as to our home. We had no second thoughts in signing a year contract with Viking and him.

Posted on: 2018-10-09 via ContactUs Reviews

Edward T.

FRANKLIN TWSP, NJ

I hired Viking Pest Control to eliminate a large yellow jacket infestation that was under the siding and in the wall of my tool shed. Dan came down the same day I contacted Viking and "dusted" all around the entrance holes in siding. He explained that if I still saw bees in 3 days to call Viking back. Three days later there were still some bees and Viking sent Travis down to re-dust. Both Dan and Travis did excellent jobs. Now, over a week later, there are no yellow jackets in site.

Posted on: 2018-10-07 via ContactUs Reviews

Mike P.

MILLSTONE TWP, NJ

Way better than terminex, guy knows his stuff got rid of house ants.

Posted on: 2018-10-06 via ContactUs Reviews

Glenn C.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ

No more yellow jackets.

Posted on: 2018-10-01 via ContactUs Reviews

Pamela D.

FRANKLIN TWP, NJ

I was very happy with the service. Your technician was not only on time he was early which worked out so much better for me. He was both friendly professional. Even my dog liked him and she usually isn't happy about strangers. I will definitely use your company again for any extermination issues I might have.

Posted on: 2018-09-29 via ContactUs Reviews

Mark F.

BRICK, NJ

Very satisfied with service. Prompt response time and Curtis was exceptional!

Posted on: 2018-09-29 via ContactUs Reviews

Donovan H.

EAST STROUDSBURG, PA

It is 2 months into the contract and we are pleasantly pleased!

Posted on: 2018-09-29 via ContactUs Reviews

Anne Q.

FRANKLIN TWP, NJ

The company was great! He explained everything to us and was friendly; he made us feel confident in knowing that we would be ok and he would get rid of all the insects.

Posted on: 2018-09-29 via ContactUs Reviews

Swati P.

ISELIN, NJ

Excellent service. Thanks.

Posted on: 2018-09-28 via ContactUs Reviews

Tom & Bonnie K.

BETHLEHEM, PA

Love all the people who work for Viking. Everyone is friendly and easy to work with. They take care of all my issues with the critters I dont care for.

We are happy with the service, but the traps have not been effective so far. We shall see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

Posted on: 2018-09-22 via ContactUs Reviews

Emily S.

BLOOMSBURY BORO, NJ

John was great. He was able to come out to assess the situation within 3 hours of requesting service and he came back the next day to take care of the problem. He was very informative and kept us updated on everything. Overall, great experience. Thank you John!

Posted on: 2018-09-22 via ContactUs Reviews

James G.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ

I called Viking exterminators and they were at my house within an hour gentleman sprayed for bees and a day and a half two days later my bees were gone.

Posted on: 2018-09-21 via ContactUs Reviews

Cindy M.

WOODBINE, NJ

The technician was very mannerly and knowledgeable happy with results.

Posted on: 2018-09-19 via ContactUs Reviews

Jeff R.

SO BRUNSWICK, NJ

Excellent Service... Fixed my wasp problem immediately.

Posted on: 2018-09-17 via ContactUs Reviews

Jean R.

NEWARK, DE

Our service tech was spot on in rapidly identifying the source of a yellowjacket infestation making its way into our home. He provided great detail in what he was going to do to treat the situation, including providing us with the necessary precautions to make sure our pets were out of harms way while the treatment took hold. Great guy and great service - and no yellowjackets chasing us out of our living room. Will not hesitate to use Viking again (and very likely will in the near future given our home being surrounded by a bunch of fields)….

Posted on: 2018-09-15 via ContactUs Reviews

Paul M.

FRANKLIN TWP, NJ

Your technician Basil Burton did a 5-star job with great expertise, care and precision at our house and barn when he came this past week to rid us of many nasty insects. He took the time and did an excellent job.

Posted on: 2018-09-15 via ContactUs Reviews

Amy B.

DENVILLE, NJ

Friendly and professional. They take care of the problem and are very accommodating.

Posted on: 2018-09-13 via ContactUs Reviews

Regency Park Condo Association

RAMSEY, NJ

Responded very quickly and scheduled the appointment very next day. Exceptional service.